Mongolian Beef is one of those dishes that can make your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine tender strips of beef, marinated to perfection, sautéed with vibrant green onions, and coated in a glossy, savory sauce that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like an inviting hug, promising a flavor explosion that’s nothing short of magical. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.

Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with Mongolian Beef. It was a rainy Tuesday evening, the kind where you want to cozy up with something warm and comforting. I stumbled upon this recipe while mindlessly scrolling through food blogs, and boy am I glad I did! As I stirred my bubbling concoction, I felt like a culinary wizard casting spells in the kitchen. Trust me; this dish will turn any ordinary night into a delightful feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mongolian Beef recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors blend beautifully together, creating an irresistible dish that everyone will enjoy
- Its beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper for dinner parties or special occasions
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles, catering to all your carb cravings
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: Look for well-marbled flank steak as it adds tenderness and rich flavor when cooked.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the savory elements in the sauce perfectly.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives depth and a fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color to your stunning plate.
For the Sauce:
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Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a zesty bite that complements the other flavors beautifully.
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Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce just right, giving it that lovely glossy finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mongolian Beef
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Slice the Flank Steak
Begin by slicing your flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This will ensure each piece remains juicy and tender when cooked.
Step 2: Marinate
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Add your sliced steak to this marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you’re feeling fancy).
Step 3: Coat with Cornstarch
After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the beef slices and toss them until they are evenly coated. This step is crucial as it helps create that delicious crispy texture when frying.
Step 4: Sauté
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and cook until browned on all sides—about three minutes per batch.
Step 5: Add Green Onions
Once all your beef is cooked up nicely, toss in chopped green onions and stir-fry for an additional minute. Their vibrant green color will liven up your dish!
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your Mongolian Beef onto plates or bowls over steamed rice or noodles. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan for that perfect finishing touch.
So there you have it—your very own Mongolian Beef masterpiece! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite as you bask in culinary glory!
You Must Know
- This delightful Mongolian Beef recipe combines tender beef with a savory, sweet sauce, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners
- Easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the beef for optimal flavor. While that magic happens, prep your veggies. Sear the marinated beef until it’s just right, then toss in those vibrant greens. Finish with a quick stir-fry for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out flank steak for sirloin if that’s what you have on hand. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toss in broccoli for extra crunch. Customize this dish to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently in a pan over low heat to maintain that succulent flavor without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Mongolian Beef, always slice against the grain for tenderness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; this ensures a nice brown crust
- Lastly, adjust the sweetness of the sauce to suit your palate and enjoy every bite!
A friend once told me that she could smell my Mongolian Beef from two blocks away. Let’s just say it was an invitation I couldn’t refuse, and her family devoured every last bite!
FAQs :
What is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is a popular dish often found in Chinese-American cuisine. It typically consists of tender slices of beef stir-fried with green onions and a flavorful soy sauce-based glaze. This dish is known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile, which makes it a favorite among many. Despite its name, Mongolian Beef does not originate from Mongolia; instead, it is an American creation that has become beloved in various Asian restaurants across the United States.
How do I make Mongolian Beef at home?
To make Mongolian Beef at home, start by marinating sliced beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings. Stir-fry the beef until it’s browned and then add green onions and a sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Cook everything together until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve the dish over steamed rice for a complete meal. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delicious taste of restaurant-style cooking right in your kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.
Can I use chicken instead of beef in Mongolian Beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in Mongolian Beef if you prefer poultry or want to create a lighter version of the dish. Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into thin strips and follow the same cooking method as you would for the beef. Adjust cooking times slightly since chicken may cook faster than beef. The resulting dish will still be flavorful and satisfying while offering a different texture.
What sides pair well with Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef pairs wonderfully with several sides that complement its rich flavors. Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice are excellent choices to soak up the savory sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for added nutrition and color on your plate. For a refreshing touch, consider adding a simple cucumber salad or spring rolls to enhance your meal experience.
Conclusion for Mongolian Beef :
In conclusion, Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef with vibrant flavors from soy sauce and green onions. Making this recipe at home is straightforward and allows you to customize it to your taste preferences, whether using beef or chicken. The ability to pair it with various sides enhances its appeal, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoying this dish can easily transport you to your favorite Asian restaurant right from your dining table!

Mongolian Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mongolian Beef is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender beef strips with a savory soy sauce glaze and crisp green onions. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your home kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The rich aroma and delightful taste will leave your family and friends craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the sliced flank steak to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Coat the marinated beef evenly with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef in batches until browned (about 3 minutes per batch).
- Add green onions to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles, drizzling with any remaining sauce from the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg